The Ford Kent engine, a stalwart of British motoring, is renowned for its robust design and tuning potential. Whether you’re building a track car or seeking more power for the road, understanding the intricacies of car engine tuning in Kent is crucial. This guide will explore key areas for modification, recommended resources, and expert advice to help you unlock the performance hidden within your Kent engine.
Key Considerations for Kent Engine Tuning
The Kent engine, particularly the crossflow variant, offers a wide range of tuning options. Before diving into modifications, it’s essential to understand the limitations of standard components and plan your build accordingly.
Crankshaft and Pistons: Balancing Act for High Revs
The stock Kent crankshaft can handle surprisingly high RPMs, especially with lightweight pistons. However, for sustained high-revving applications exceeding 7,500 RPM, balancing and inspection are crucial. Upgrading to lighter, forged pistons, such as Lotus/Cosworth options, reduces reciprocating mass, allowing for quicker revs and reduced stress on the crankshaft. Balancing the entire rotating assembly, including the crankshaft, rods, and pistons, ensures smooth operation at higher engine speeds.
Connecting Rods: Forging Strength and Reliability
While stock connecting rods are adequate for moderate tuning, high-performance builds benefit from upgraded rods. Forged connecting rods, often featuring high-quality bolts like Cosworth, provide increased strength and resistance to fatigue, essential for handling increased loads and high RPMs.
Cylinder Head: Breathing Life into Performance
The Kent engine’s cylinder head plays a significant role in its performance potential. A big valve head, such as the 1600GT, offers a significant advantage. Porting and polishing the head, along with matching the intake and exhaust manifolds, optimize airflow, improving both power and efficiency. Careful consideration should be given to valve guide length during head modifications.
Camshaft Selection: Dictating Power Delivery
The camshaft significantly influences the engine’s power delivery characteristics. Choosing the right camshaft profile depends on your desired performance goals. A more aggressive cam profile increases high-RPM power but might compromise low-end torque. Careful selection is crucial for achieving the desired balance between power and drivability.
Expert Resources for Kent Engine Tuning
Several resources provide valuable insights into Kent engine tuning:
- Burton Power Products: Renowned for their expertise in Kent engines, Burton offers a wide range of performance parts and machining services. However, ensure thorough quality checks on any work performed.
- “Tuning Four Cylinder Fords” by Paul Davies: This book, while potentially dated, provides valuable foundational knowledge on tuning Ford engines, including the Kent.
- Haynes “Rebuilding and Tuning Ford’s Kent Crossflow Engine” Manual: This manual offers comprehensive guidance on engine rebuilding and basic tuning principles.
Conclusion: A Rewarding Tuning Experience
Tuning a Ford Kent engine can be a rewarding experience, transforming a classic engine into a potent powerplant. By carefully considering the key areas for modification, utilizing available resources, and understanding the limitations of stock components, you can achieve significant performance gains while maintaining reliability. Remember to prioritize quality machining and components, and always double-check work performed by external specialists. Unlocking the full potential of your Kent engine requires meticulous planning and execution, but the results are well worth the effort.
